What's a good gear ratio for crankbaits deep or shallow diving I have abu garcia revo sx 6.3.1 and a 7.3.1 should I go to a lower gear ratio? Thanks

I use something slower, around 22-24 IPT.

11 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I use something slower, around 22-24 IPT.

22-24 IPT? Is that around 5.3.1 gear ratio 

Hello Fishboddy,

     The big deep diving cranks baits would be easier for you to fish on a lower gear ratio. It take a good bit of work/torque to retrieve a big billed/lipped lure like a SK 6XD or 8XD.  The lower ratio is like using a low gear in a truck. There is more power to crank in the bait, less work to turn the handle. It also helps you keep the retrieve speed slow.  Smaller and or shallow divers have less resistance so the 7 speed ratio would work for them too. It is really all about the resistance of the lure. 

FM

6 minutes ago, FishinBoddy said:

22-24 IPT? Is that around 5.3.1 gear ratio 

That depends on the spool diameter.  The reels I use are 5.8:1 and 5.0:1.

If those are the two you have, I would go with the one that has the lower gear ratio.  My preference is a reel that is 5.x:1 but all really need to do is reel slow enough to fit your needs.

4 minutes ago, J Francho said:

That depends on the spool diameter.  The reels I use are 5.8:1 and 5.0:1.

I am using uba revo sx low profile baitcaster reels I love them but they do not have a 5.3.1 gear ratio I will check basspro they'll have something thanks appreciate information 

   One of the basic precepts of modern fishing is, "Slow it down!". This wasn't a problem with 3.7:1 gear ratios of the past, but it is now with 7.2:1 gear ratios and up.

   That being said, there's a heck of a lot of difference retrieving a 3/8 oz. Wally Diver (yes, it's a great bass lure!) versus a Norman DD22. With the DD22 (or even larger lures) you need the lower gear ratio to save your arms in addition to creating the correct presentation.

  

   Good luck!  ?              jj

Lews BB1.  21 inched per turn, 100 mm handle, ample line capacity and smooth.

The reason gear ratio’s are going up from 6.3:1 to 7 to 8:1 is today’s 100 size bait caster have narrow small diameter light weight spools to improve casting distance. 

The problem the smaller spool create is less line capacity using .012D to .015D line the angler can cast off 50% of the line. We talk about IPT inches of line recovered per reel handle full turn being 24” for crank baits at full spool. After you make a long cast over 40 yards with a crank bait the IPT is reduced 50% using the 100 size reel with standard mono or FC line. The gear ratio doesn’t change, the IPT does as the amount spooled line changes during the retrieve.

For this reason my suggestion is use larger size 300 reels to reduce the IPT change during the retrieve to 10% and use slower gear ratio to gain power to move deep diving crank bait through the water at a even pace without wearing out the angler.

Tom

 

 

 

line.

I use the higher ratio reels for crankbaits. You need several fast cranks to get it to the depths you need then I will slow it down with the retrieve...not the gear ratio. I will use the lower gear ratio reels on: Pitching rod, Flipping rod and my Grass Rake...when fishing cover you need the torque. Actually I throw most(not all) crank bait stuff on spinning gear...but that's another story. 

Here an old Bass Resource article by Tommy Martin who is considered by many to be the Crank Bait King.

Crankbait Retrieves | The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide® LLC (bassresource.com)

 

...actually got to meet Tommy a couple times...

 

So...I think this is interesting...and I may have had it wrong all these years.

UPDATE

OK...I had it wrong some of those years...LOL.

The 5 Best Crankbait Reels (Updated 2021 Reviews) ⋆ Tackle Scout

I see where throwing those deep CB's need more torque to lessen fatigue.

 

 

 

On 10/18/2021 at 10:17 AM, FishinBoddy said:

I am using uba revo sx low profile baitcaster reels I love them but they do not have a 5.3.1 gear ratio I will check basspro they'll have something thanks appreciate information 

If you like Abu, take a look at the Winch. It's specifically made for crankbaits and is $200.

https://www.abugarcia.com/products/revo-winch-low-profile-reel-1430443?variant=34170362429579

 

If you're looking for a cheaper Abu model, they also make a low speed one in the Revo X line for $100.

https://www.abugarcia.com/products/revo-x-low-profile-reel-1430439?variant=34170362855563

 

 

On 10/18/2021 at 6:25 AM, FishinBoddy said:

What's a good gear ratio for crankbaits deep or shallow diving I have abu garcia revo sx 6.3.1 and a 7.3.1 should I go to a lower gear ratio? Thanks

Those will work just fine for all crankbait techniques, you don't need a slower gear ratio, only if you really want to specialize. 

On 10/18/2021 at 6:56 AM, FishinBoddy said:

22-24 IPT? Is that around 5.3.1 gear ratio 

You can also put half the line you normally put on your casting reel to get 22-24 ipt.

How much deep cranking do you do and what do you consider deep?  I use 6.3:1 gearing for cranks down to 11-15ft. and a 5.2:1 for depths from 16-22ft.